Despite hot weather, close to 50 people participated in 100 Mile House's Parkinson's Superwalk in Centennial Park on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Co-organizer Marilyn Vinson remarked she felt the event was a success, noting they raised a combined total of $3,555, $1,728 from the day of the walk and $1,827 from donations made online since. All proceeds will be donated to Parkinson's B.C. to go towards funding research for finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease, a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure.
"It made me feel good because we need research. The more research that is done (the better)," Vinson said. "Parkinson's is a very complicated disease and not enough is known about it. Every person has different symptoms."
The walk itself, Vinson said, was a success. Alongside fellow organizer Philip Konrad they welcomed the walkers and led them around the park with the band Even Keel and Friends providing live entertainment at the staging area.
"It was, I think, very successful. We had more people come out than before and we have met more people suffering with Parkinson's (as well)," Vinson said. "It was hot on that day, oh my goodness, that walk felt like miles."
Vinson noted that Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson also participated in the walk and helped them give out door prizes. She said several businesses including Save-On-Foods, 100 Mile Feed and Ranch Supply, Timbermart 100 Mile, Tim Hortons, Kal Tire, the Williams Lake and District Credit Union, ACE Hardware, Western Financial, Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza, A&W, Regency Chrysler, Integra Tire and Auto Centre, Kondolas Furniture and Appliance, Donex Pharmacy & Department Store and Cariboo Christain Life Fellowship all donated gift cards or gift baskets, whose generosity was greatly appreciated.
After meeting some new people living with Parkinson's in the community, Vinson said she and Konrad are hoping to get 100 Mile House Parkinson's Support Group up and running again. The group is designed to bring those with Parkinson's together so they can share tips for how they live with the disease and make friendships.
"We need people to come out and share their stories with us," Vinson said.
Anyone looking to join the group is invited to call Konrad at 250-395-3925 or Vinson at 250-395-4070.
